What document is considered to strengthen the authority of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR)?

The document that is considered to strengthen the authority of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) is the Optional Protocol. The Optional Protocol allows for individual complaints to be brought before the committee, which enhances its authority and ability to monitor compliance with economic, social, and cultural rights on a more direct and impactful level. It also provides a mechanism for the implementation of the rights contained within the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), thereby bolstering the CESCR's role in addressing violations and promoting accountability among states.

General Comments serve as interpretative guidance on the obligations under the ICESCR, but they do not provide the same level of authority as the Optional Protocol. Concluding Observations are the committee's assessments and recommendations following the review of state parties' reports, while Annual Reports serve to summarize activities but do not contribute directly to strengthening the committee's authority.

In conclusion, the Optional Protocol enhances the effectiveness of the CESCR by allowing it to review individual cases of rights violations, which fundamentally empowers the committee in its work of promoting and protecting economic, social, and cultural rights worldwide.